U2: 11- Biology Of Controlling Fertility Flashcards
Which of the sexes is described as being cyclically fertile?
Females
How is the fact that males can make sperm throughout the month described?
Continuously fertile
Roughly how long does female fertility last per month?
1-2 days after ovulation
What two indicators are there in females that they are entering their fertile period?
- temperature rises by about 0.5°C
* cervical mucus thins
What hormone allows the body temperature in females to rise by about 0.5°C around about puberty time?
Progesterone
Which hormone causes the cervical mucus to thin around ovulation time?
Oestrogen
If a female fails to ovulate it may be because they fail to make FSH or LH. What treatment can be given?
Fertility drugs that contain FSH or LH
What name is given to the fertility treatment whereby semen is introduced into the female reproductive tract in a means other than sexual intercourse?
Artificial insemenation
What name is given to the introduction of semen into the female reproductive tract naturally as a result of sexual intercourse?
Insemenation
When would artificial insemenation be used used as a fertility treatment?
- if the man has a low sperm count
* if a sperm donor is being used
What name is given to the process by which the fertilisation process occurs in a dish?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
Under which circumstances would IVF be used as a fertility treatment?
If the female has a blockage in the oviduct then the egg and sperm will be unable to meet
What screening technique is used to check embryos during IVF for general chromosomal abnormalities?
PGS (Pre-implantation genetic screening)
What screening technique is used to check embryos during IVF for known chromosomal abnormalities?
PGD (Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis)
During IVF, if a man’s sperm count is low then many of the sperm are defective. What technique can be used during IVF to overcome this?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
What is ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)?
Technique which involves taking healthy sperm and injecting it directly into an egg being held in a holding tool. It is used during IVF.
Name three barrier methods of contraception that physically prevent an egg from meeting a sperm.
- condom
- diaphragm
- cervical cap
Name the device inserted into the uterus that is a plastic structure with copper wound round it to irritate the lining of the uterus and prevent an embryo from implanting.
IUD
Name the sterilisation procedure in men where the sperm ducts are cut and tied to prevent sperm being released during sexual activity.
Vasectomy
What is the equivalent of a vasectomy in females where the oviducts are cut and tied to prevent egg meeting sperm and reaching the uterus?
Tubal ligation
Name the two hormones found in the combined pill.
Oestrogen and progesterone
How does the combined pill prevent pregnancy?
High levels of oestrogen and progesterone prevent FSH and LH from being released. No egg is matured in the follicle or released during ovulation. Effectively there is no egg to fertilise.
Why does a period still happen when taking the combined pill?
A pill is taken for 3 weeks with high levels of oestrogen and progesterone. During the 4th week no pill is taken and the levels fall. This results in menstruation.
How is the morning after pill different from the combined pill?
The morning after pill has higher doses of oestrogen and progesterone
Up to how many hours after unprotected sex can the morning after pill be taken?
Up to 72 hours later
What hormones are contained in the mini pill?
Progesterone only
How does the mini pill prevent pregnancy?
The progesterone levels cause the cervical mucus to remain thick at all times to stop sperm being able to reach the egg
